Jim Command

Who is Jim Command?

James Dalton Command is a retired American professional baseball player and scout. He had two separate trials with the 1954–55 Philadelphia Phillies of Major League Baseball, starting four games as a third baseman in July 1954, and he also served as a pinch hitter and pinch runner, playing in a total of 14 major league games. However, he was a versatile performer during a 14-season minor league career, playing all the infield positions, the outfield, and, late in his career, converting to catcher.

Command batted left-handed, threw right-handed, stood 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighed 205 pounds. He was in his eighth year in the Phillies' farm system when he received his first MLB opportunity in the midst of the 1954 season. After going hitless in his first four at bats as a pinch hitter and substitute third baseman, he started his first Major League game on July 11, 1954, against the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field. Although he drew a base on balls against Carl Erskine, Command was still hitless in seven plate appearances as a Major Leaguer when he came to bat in the top half of the eighth inning with two outs, the bases loaded and the Phillies trailing 7–3.